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Compare Zantac vs. Mylanta Maximum Strength

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Ranitidine (Zantac) and Mylanta Maximum Strength (aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide/simethicone) are both used to treat heartburn and other stomach conditions. However, they belong to different medication classes. Ranitidine is a histamine H2 antagonist that was used to reduce stomach acid, but it has been discontinued in the U.S. Mylanta Maximum Strength is an over-the-counter antacid and antiflatulent that neutralizes stomach acid and relieves gas. Ranitidine was available in oral and injectable forms, while Mylanta is available as a liquid taken by mouth. Mylanta can cause side effects like diarrhea and nausea, and it may interact with other medications, making them less effective. Mylanta is not recommended for use during pregnancy and should be used cautiously in people with kidney problems due to its magnesium and aluminum content.

  • Ranitidine
    Mylanta maximum strength
  • Ranitidine
    Mylanta maximum strength

  • Summary of Zantac vs. Mylanta Maximum Strength

    Summary for Histamine H2 antagonist
    Prescription only

    Ranitidine is an H2 blocker that reduces the amount of acid the stomach produces. It's used to treat conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and ulcers. It was recalled in 2020 due to safety concerns about a chemical impurity, but it has since been reformulated and is now back on the market. Your dose depends on why you’re taking it, but it’s usually taken by mouth one to four times a day. Side effects include headache, dizziness, and feeling tired.

    Summary for Antacid / Antiflatulent

    Mylanta Maximum Strength is a combination medication containing three active ingredients: two antacids (aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide) and a gas medication (simethicone). It's used to help relieve the symptoms of heartburn, acid reflux, and gas. This medication is available over the counter (OTC) as a liquid for people ages 12 years and older. The dosage is 10 to 20 mL taken by mouth in between meals and at bedtime as needed. Possible side effects include diarrhea and nausea.

  • Indications of Zantac vs. Mylanta Maximum Strength

    Indications for
    •Stomach ulcer
    •Intestinal ulcer
    •Heartburn (GERD)
    •Erosive esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus) due to GERD
    •Other high-acid conditions (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome or mastocytosis)
    Indications for

    Short-term relief of:

    •Heartburn
    •Sour stomach
    •Indigestion
    •Gas (bloating, pressure, discomfort)

  • Pros and Cons of Zantac vs. Mylanta Maximum Strength

    Pros and Const for Histamine H2 antagonist
    Pros
    •Reduces stomach acid for ulcers and GERD
    •Can be used in adults and children
    •Works pretty quickly, within hours for GERD
    Cons
    •Might need to take multiple times a day
    •Interacts with many medications
    •Not as strong as PPIs for severe symptoms
    Pros and Const for Antacid / Antiflatulent
    Pros
    •Provides fast relief (within several minutes)
    •Can take multiples times throughout the day for continued symptom relief
    •Comes as a flavored suspension
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Can be purchased over the counter (OTC), without a prescription
    Cons
    •Doesn't last as long as other types of heartburn medications
    •Can interfere with how well other medications are absorbed into the body
    •Might not be a good option for people with kidney problems or on a magnesium-restricted diet
    •Not recommended for use during pregnancy
    •Contains magnesium, so can cause diarrhea

  • Common Side Effects of Zantac vs. Mylanta Maximum Strength

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache
    •Tiredness
    •Dizziness
    •Diarrhea
    •Constipation
    •Stomach pain
    •Nausea
    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea
    •Nausea
    •Constipation

  • Warnings of Zantac vs. Mylanta Maximum Strength

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of hiding symptoms of a more serious problem
    •Medication interactions
    •Allergic reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Toxicity from too much magnesium
    •Toxicity from too much aluminum

  • Prices with our coupons for Zantac vs. Mylanta Maximum Strength

    Learn more about Ranitidine
    Learn more about Mylanta maximum strength

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